Those suffering from mood disorders may want to consider appointing a healthcare proxy.  A proxy, simply, is someone who knows a patient's wishes and can express them if the patient should become incapacitated.

In the case of hospitalization, a patient's right to refuse certain treatments is not always respected.  When a patient suffers from an illness which may impair hir judgement, it is difficult for a doctor to decide what best conforms with the patient's wishes. Hospitalized patients sometimes say, after the fact, they needed treatment they were too sick to accept.  It is a difficult situation that one may be able to avoid by involving a proxy help to direct one's treatment.

Actually selecting the proxy is the linchpin in the process.  A proxy should understand all of the responsibility involved before accepting.  A proxy should attend several appointments with one's doctor.  If the doctor is familiar with a proxy and a patient's desire to have one, it may avoid later difficulties.  The patient, proxy and doctor should discuss possible scenarios they may face and discuss the patient's wishes.

A proxy will need to keep the doctor's contact information as well as a list of family or loved ones to call in case of emergency.  A proxy should be able to recognize the symptoms of depression and mania.  (S)he may see symptoms early and discuss them with one's doctor.  A proxy may express one's wishes about tests, treatment, commitment and other issues.   A proxy can insure, in case of hospitalization, that bills are paid and employers informed in the appropriate manner, thereby minimizing the disruption of one's life.

In certain circumstances, a doctor may not recognize one's wishes as stated by a healthcare proxy.  A patient may experience an emergency situation previously not discussed. The doctor is faced with making a decision based on hir experience which may be contrary to a patient's stated preferences.
 
There are other alternatives to a proxy which may help avoid such situations.  Most of these, such as power of attorney or treatment directives, are governed by state law.  Consideration of these option should include getting professional legal advice as they require a lawyer's skill.